World Cancer Day
4th Feb 2010 is celebrated as World Cancer Day across the world. Cancer was derived from the word crab which in Latin means the “unseen hidden underground enemy.” Cancer causes abnormal and uncontrolled multiplication of cells which do not show any pain at its earliest stage. World Health Organisation, WHO, each year on 4th February supports International Union Against Cancer (UICC) to promote ways to ease the global burden of cancer.
According to a survey conducted by WHO, Cancer is the leading cause of death all over the world without intervention. In 2005, 7.6 million people died of cancer. More than 70% of these deaths occurred in low and middle income countries. WHO estimates that 84 million people will die of cancer between 2005 and 2015 without intervention. To prevent such deaths, WHO has developed a series of six modules. These modules provide practical advice for Programme Managers and Policy-Makers on how to advocate, plan and implement effective cancer control programmes.
The theme of World Cancer Day for the year 2010 is “Cancer Can Be Prevented Too.” This year, the primary focus of WHO is to focus on simple preventive measures to prevent the spread of cancer by propogating the following:
-No tobacco use
-Healthy diet
-Regular exercise
-Limited alcohol use
-Protection against cancer-causing infections
Today, to commemorate World Cancer Day, the first Cancer Research UK laboratory has been launched in Scotland at Dundee’s Ninewells Hospital.
